Bio:

The great architect, Saakshi is originally from New Delhi, Saakshi is a licensed architect from India currently working as a Designer at Wiencek+Associates, Washington D.C. Prior to moving to DC, Saakshi graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a master’s degree in architecture and a certification in sustainable landscape design. Her interests lie in architecture that has a social impact as she seeks to produce work that allows architecture to become a tool in empowering marginalized groups.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

I didn't pick architecture, it picked me. Growing up in Delhi, a city with areas steeped in history, exposed me to its rich art & culture, and the juxtaposition of diverse architectural styles quietly molded me to take it up as a career.

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What do you do?

I am a designer at Wiencek+Associates, focusing on mixed income multi-family housing and community oriented projects. Currently in the process of getting my architectural license in the USA, I am also the chair of AIA|DC Urban Design Committee.

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What excites you in the work you do?

Seeing my projects come to life and realizing that they will become a tool in empowering people, positively impacting their lives. I also enjoy the fact that no two projects are the same. Each project is a unique puzzle waiting to be solved.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

Inspiration is all around us. The city, it’s culture, history & people, the way all these aspects interact with each other inspires me. The organic transformation of a space based on how it's used, intentionally & unintentionally, is just magical.

 

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

So far it has been when I visited a mixed income housing project that I worked on, post construction. We ran into a tenant family that couldn't stop talking about how much they loved their new home. The look of pride on their faces, it never gets old

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Featured Project Name: 

Carl F. West Affordable Independent Seniors & Grand-Family Estates

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Featured Project Location: 

Washington DC

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

Spring 2024

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Role in Featured Project: 

I started as an Architectural Designer and grew with the project. I am now the Designer on the project team.

 

Featured Project Description:

Located in the heart of DC, the Carl F. West building is a mixed use development owned by the National Caucus & Center on Black Aging Inc. The building is an affordable independent seniors community with a total of 178 units ranging in size, including 35 Grand-Family units that are designed to house grandparents who are raising grandchildren, and 18 units for supportive housing. The project will also include amenities spaces to serve the seniors and office space for NCBA’s national headquarters.

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Photography Credit:

Wiencek+Associates Architects+Planners